By R.V. Baugus

Ebony Hattix, box office manager for FedEx Forum in Memphis, was recognized along with nine other women and some fellow IAVM members in the International Ticketing Association (INTIX)’s yearly review of inspiration women.

Under the heading of Ebony Hattix: A Superhero in Ticketing, Hattix talked about big opportunities she sees in the year ahead for ticketing. Hattix was honored along with Jane Kleinberger, Linda Forlini, Amy Graca, Crystal Brewe, Lynne King Smith, Jo Michel, Angela Higgins, Sherletha (Lisa) Thomas-Cutts, and Stevie Gray.

Hattix’s comments were presented by the INTIX Women in Entertainment Technology Program, sponsored by Lynne King Smith and TicketForce.

“I love people! Building relationships and creating positive experiences is my favorite part of this job,” said the always positive Hattix. “Sometimes, the most interesting people are not always on stage. Learning about people and being able to create a show or an event that will somehow enhance the power of someone’s fond memory is honestly epic.”

Hattix manages the day-to-day ticketing operations of any events hosted at FedExForum. “Our box office team works as liaisons between all departments of the organizations, promoters and Ticketmaster,” she said, “to host events from manifest creation to event settlement. We handle reporting, sales order processing, daily ticket financials, general questions, [and] manage part-time employees. Anything ticketing is our responsibility!”

Hattix knows customer service well following a year at the Disney College Program in Orlando following her graduation from the University of Mississippi. In Orlando, she worked in a number of different industries early on — everything from hotels to interior design to public housing.

She also had a part-time position at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo, Miss., where she eventually worked her way up to the Assistant Director of Ticketing position.

Hattix shared with INTIX her thoughts on how the public assembly venue continues making strides in diversity.

“Doors of opportunity are there for everyone,” she told INTIX. “And if you find one closed, knock it down! The world of ticketing is ever changing, so find how you can make it better and go do it. Opportunity is everywhere in this area of the industry. If you are interested in ticketing, find a good mentor and just jump right in.

“Never compare yourself to anyone else in terms of success, beauty, life, etc. You don’t know someone else’s journey. Surround yourself with people different from you. It is how we learn, and never stop learning. Those around you should challenge you to be better — a better person, a better employee, a better whatever. Push yourself further than you thought you could go, but do it for you and not others.”

Hattix serves on IAVM’s Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee, where she continues making a difference in the industry.

By Kaitlyn Spinney

When the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D. wanted to position the arena and convention center as a go-to wedding destination — as well as showcase several dozen wedding vendors — they married a local couple in front of a room full of “wedding crashers.”

Shelby Looker and I were ready to step out of a 10’ x 10’ vendor show booth and really show what our facility can do for weddings and receptions.

On November 8, the sales department at Alerus partnered with The White House Co. to host the inaugural “To Have and To Hold: A LIVE Wedding Show,” but several months before the event, the venue launched a social media campaign inviting people to nominate a couple (or self-nominate) who would not only be willing to get married in front of strangers but also have no control over the planning. After reading more than 70 applications and conducting in-person interviews, the team selected Carly and Tyler.

Truthfully, when we met Carly and Tyler, it felt like a first date and a proposal. They were the perfect couple for the event because they were willing to sit back and let us make all the creative decisions, which was a must.

Next, the Alerus sales department signed on 27 local wedding vendors, ranging from photography to flowers to attire, to contribute their talent and creativity to create a perfect wedding for Carly and Tyler.

Because this event was so new, the Alerus team was tasked with explaining the unique event to each vendor, but most were on board to try something new. Vendors were required to bring their newest ideas and products to showcase during the event. The room set up for the day of the wedding highlighted each vendor’s contributions and provided them with a small cocktail table around the outside of the room where they could meet interested brides. Additionally, one of the DJs for the evening gave tasteful shoutouts throughout the night to point out vendor contributions.

The event was geared toward two target markets: brides and wedding crashers. Potential brides could come see their vendors in action, and shop for new ideas. Wedding crashers were invited to buy a $20 ticket so they could enjoy the wedding, champagne toast, a three course meal, and dance the night away. The evening was perfect for a date night, or people who love weddings but don’t want to deal with family drama or bringing a gift.

At the end of the event, the bride and groom could not have been happier. They danced the night away, and their families complimented the whole process. As an added bonus, each vendor received a number of high-quality photos that showcase their work, which was an important selling point.

Couples and vendors are already asking if this will be an annual event!

Kaitlyn Spinney is Director of Conference Sales & Marketing for Spectra Venue Management’s Alerus Center.

Photo by Fernweh and Lieb Photography

By R.V. Baugus

The LinkedIn profile says it all about Bill McElrath: RETIRED at Des Moines Performing Arts.

That, folks, would seemingly say it all, but it really does not scratch the surface of the career of an industry icon who spent 47 years in the business, the last 20 as business director of said Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA), where he served in two different time periods working in nearly every single department area.

McElrath also worked at the venue in 1979 as assistant manager, the same year he joined then IAAM to start a 31-year run as a dedicated volunteer and worked on the Association’s Certification Board for 14 years where he worked tirelessly to create the new Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation.

After working with so many, I can say that there is a certain beautiful quality about IAVM members in the Midwest, many whom never leave the region to work in the industry while others like McElrath who go elsewhere only to return to those calling roots.

IAVM Chair Tammy Koolbeck, CVE, attended McElrath’s retirement celebration over the holidays to pay tribute to her long-time friend, and was happy to hear the accolades bestowed on McElrath by DMPA President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig.

McElrath, who graduated from Iowa State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with an added emphasis on Economics (there’s that business director link!), began his career at his alma mater in 1972 when he was recruited by Al Dyer to become a stagehand at the Iowa State Center.

After his stint at DMPA beginning in 1979, McElrath departed in 1985 to work first at the Salt Lake County Fine Arts Division and later the San Diego Convention & Performing Arts Center.

“He returned to DMPA in 1999 and has served in various leadership roles as our organization grew and evolved,” Chelesvig said. “His impact can be seen today in our organization and across our industry.

“As a dedicated Apple user, he oversaw the first all-Macintosh computer network in a performing arts venue.”

How is that for trivia and innovation? And it is also not surprising of a true Midwest gentleman who loved his work and loved his association.

Photo: Jeff Chelsvig, DMPA; Tammy Koolbeck, IAVM Chair; Bill McElrath, DMPA; and Laura Sweet, DMPA.

By R.V. Baugus

As our friends in Australia remain on alert for continuing wildfires that started in September, the public assembly venue industry and its tenants are rallying to the cause to help provide financial help in the wake of a disaster that has seen Prime Minister Scott Morrison put a death toll at 27 with more than 2,000 homes burned across an area larger than the size of West Virginia. Experts add that more than 1 billion animals are feared dead from the fires.

Against that backdrop, the AFL Aussie rules football league confirmed that Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will host a landmark State of Origin match to raise funds for the bushfire relief effort. Victoria will play against an all-star roster on February, with money raised being donated to a community relief fund set up by the AFL to help rebuild Aussie rules facilities demolished by the fires. Already, the AFL has earmarked $926,000 toward the effort. The AFL Women’s match between Collingwood and Melbourne scheduled for February 28 at Victoria Park will now be played at Marvel Stadium as part of a double-header with the State of Origin fixture.

Sydney’s ANZ Stadium is also raising money through a February 16 concert with the “Fire Fight Australia” event including performances from local and international artists.

As firefighters continue battling the inferno, Prime Minister Morrison made it a point to urge the foreign tourists who would now be gathering on the beaches in Australia’s summer to keep their plans while local authorities continue urging evacuation of several coastal towns.

“Our industry is heartbroken by the devastation that the fires are causing around the country and our clubs and players have suggested a number of initiatives where we can support affected communities in the short and longer term as they deal with the aftermath of these fires,” AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said in a release. “A game of footy can’t change what has happened but it is a way for all of our clubs, our players and our fans to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice that so many have made in battling the fires and to support those communities that have been impacted by the bushfires.”

It is also a shining example of how IAVM member venues always stand at the ready whether as shelters or places where events can take place to help those in needy times.

By Lauren Polito

Levy Convention Centers and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) proudly partner with Green City Growers to cultivate and harvest the The Chef Garden. The Chef Garden is about 800 square feet and it provides fresh produce and herbs for Pine Street Inn. It is conveniently located at The Lawn On D, a 2.7-acre outdoor event and entertainment space next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Throughout the 2019 season, over 500 pounds of fresh produce and herbs have been harvested and donated to the community.

Each Monday from May to November, Levy and Green City Growers harvest the Chef Garden. Depending on the time of year, there are always new herbs or vegetables available, a typical harvest includes basil, peppers, carrots, beans, bok choy, and so much more. In the last harvest of November 2019, the team harvested turnips, rosemary, and thyme. Each harvest is then donated to the Pine Street Inn.

“It’s an amazing experience to walk into a local food bank’s kitchen and see the chef’s eyes light up because they are receiving fresh, local, in season produce to incorporate into their meal,” said Director of Experience for Levy at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, William O’Brien. “It encourages them to experiment with new recipes and flavors that they don’t have the resources to provide.”

The Chef Garden is now prepared to weather the winter, and the Green City Growers team have planted garlic, which will be one of the first things to emerge in the spring, and harvested in the summer. Salt marsh hay protects the garden for the time being. With 2019 being the inaugural year for the garden, the groups are eager to continue to making an impact within the local Boston community. Looking forward to next season Levy and the MCCA are looking into doubling the harvest to provide over 1,000 pounds of produce in 2020. Brainstorming and research for next season has already begun, focusing on new combinations of produce and herbs that will bring the most fruitful harvest yet for many to enjoy throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Lauren Polito is Associate Manager, Communications, for Levy Restaurants. Photo provided by Levy.